How to Hike with Your Hound

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Hiking with your dog is an excellent pastime for you both. You each get exercise, fresh air, and (hopefully) sunshine. Plus, you get to bond with your pet and appreciate nature. In order to make the most of your hiking experience, it is important to be prepared, to hit the trail in a safe way, and to make sure you stay healthy post-hike. By doing these things, you ensure that you and your hound can hike together again and again.

Steps

Method One of Three:Preparing for Your Hike

1

Make sure your dog is able to handle a hike. Before you take your dog on a hike, consider its age and overall health. If your dog experiences health issues during a lengthy hike, it will be difficult for you to get help. If you’re not sure whether your dog can handle a hike, talk to your vet first.

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Gather your dog’s gear. Before heading out for a hike with your dog, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need. Place these items in your backpack, or outfit your dog with a pack of its own. You may want to bring:

Bowl for water. You can purchase collapsible bowls from hiking stores that look like caps and can carry water poured from your drinking bottle.

Leash. Whether or not leashes are required in the area where you'll be hiking, it is a good idea to have one with you.

Collar with tags. It is important to have a collar and tags for identification purposes in case your dog gets spooked or wanders off.

Snacks. Some healthy dog chews or dog cookies are an important addition to your dog's hiking gear.

Paw protectors. Some dogs may need paw protection, especially if you will be walking on hot, very cold, or rough terrain. Dog booties can be purchased from dog parlors, hiking stores or pet stores. Check to see if your dog likes them before assuming that they will work on a hike.

Gather your own gear. In addition to outfitting your dog, you are going to want a few items for yourself. These things can help if you get lost, aid in an emergency, and make your hike comfortable and safe.[1] Things to pack include:

Research the rules. It is important to respect the rules of the place where you are hiking. Some places do not allow dogs at all. Other places require a dog to be on a leash. Breaking these rules can lead to citations and/or fines, so be sure you understand the rules before you head out.[2]

Perform an internet search for the trail you plan to hike. You may find a website or message board with info about dogs.

Look for a phone number to a local visitor center. Call and ask about dog and/or leash laws on the trail.

Most National Parks do not allow dogs on trails, but most other federal lands are fair game.

Stay on the trail. Even where you are allowed to hike with your dog without a leash, do not allow your dog to run around everywhere. This could crush precious wildflowers and fragile soil structures. Additionally, traveling off of the trail can get you both lost. Make sure that both you and your dog stick to the hiking trail.[3]

Expect to see other dogs. Before you head out on a hike, think about your dog's temperament. If you know that your dog likes to pick a fight, keep them restricted on a leash. It is very likely that you will encounter other people and dogs on the trail, so try to be prepared.[4]

Stay hydrated. Both you and your dog should drink frequently. Drinking water at least once every half an hour is appropriate during an average hike. Bring your own water along, and avoid drinking (or allowing your dog to drink) from unfiltered water sources.[6]

Check for ticks. Always check your dog for ticks at the end of a hike. If you are camping overnight, check the dog each night. Ticks are small bugs that attach themselves to skin. Be sure to look near your dog’s backside, ears, and anywhere that the skin folds (such as the arm pit).

Remove plant life. In addition to scouting for ticks, check your dog for any plant life. To avoid tangled hair and the potential for rashes and other allergic reactions, remove any prickles, burrs, thorns, or sticks that have become entangled in your dog's coat.[8]

Thank your dog. At the end of a hike, express your pleasure at how well your dog hiked and provide a small treat. This helps to establish a positive association for your dog, fosters additional bonding, and encourages good behavior on your next excursion.

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Community Q&A

Tips

Provided that you have a medium to large sized dog, you can purchase a special dog pack that will enable your dog to carry some of its own supplies. Dogs have the ability to carry up to one third of their own weight if they are healthy and it is not too hot. Be sure to balance a bag properly - you can include the dog's bowl, a small First Aid kit and perhaps some snacks and dog booties.

There are companies who run hiking trips for owners and their dogs. Look them up on the Internet. You can choose from easy hikes, day hikes, or extreme hikes. Ask if snacks and any other incidentals are included in the cost of the hiking tour.

If you enjoy hiking with your dog, consider joining a group that does this regularly. You will meet others with the same enthusiasm and perhaps your dogs will also form friendships! If there isn't such a club in your area, consider starting one.

Warnings

Many national, provincial, state, territory etc. parks have differing rules on the ability of owners to take their dogs on a hike. In quite a number of places dogs have been banned altogether. Please ensure that you hike responsibly with your dog to ensure that others can continue to do this in the future.

Even though most dogs are not susceptible to the oils in poison ivy and other such plants, a dog that has collected the oil on its coat and then rubs on you will affect you. Keep your dog out of any such plants.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Before hiking with your hound, pack some gear to keep it comfortable and safe, including a collapsible water bowl, fresh water, dog treats, a leash, and a collar with tags. Even if the trail allows dogs to be off leash, consider your dog’s temperament, including how it acts around strangers and other animals, before letting it loose. Once you're on your hike, stay on the trails to avoid getting lost or disrupting the landscape. Another way to preserve the trails is to carry poop bags to clean up after your dog. While hiking, stop every half hour for a water break to keep your dog hydrated. At the end of your hike, do a tick-check on your dog by running your hands over its body, especially in its armpits, ears, and leg creases.